America Writes Its History Lecture & Book Signing

At the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum

Saturday, March 5^th, 1:00 PM

Allentown, Pennsylvania—Prominent public historian and prolific author Dr. Jude Pfister will visit the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum on Saturday, March 5^th at 1:00 p.m. to speak on his book, America Writes Its History:  The Formation of a National Narrative 1650-1850.  The announcement was made today by Joseph Garrera, executive director of the Museum. 

Dr. Pfister’s talk will examine how history was shaped by events, and how events were shaped by history, and especially by historians.  “This presentation will fascinate everyone interested in the making of history,” said Garrera.  “Dr. Pfister’s work examines how Americans have used history in their efforts to explain and define themselves.”

The writing of American history has followed the development of the country from the first tentative outposts in the early 1600s to the free, independent, and confident, nation of the early 1800s.  During that time writers sought to fashion the guiding narrative of the unfolding American drama as it played out against great upheavals in colonial and Revolutionary America.  How would Americans define themselves and their new land?  Their fears, anxieties, triumphs, and defeats are all chronicled in the multiple ways Americans chose to document our past. From plays, to novels, to poems, and non-fiction narratives, Americans strived to explain themselves to themselves.  Equally important, they sought to tell their history to non-Americans as well.

Dr. Jude Pfister has worked with the National Park Service in the field of historic preservation and cultural resource conservation since 1993.  He currently serves as Chief of Curatorial Resources at Morristown National Historical Park, where he oversees the museum, archival, and library programs.  He is the author of several books, as well as multiple articles and reviews.  Copies of Dr. Pfister’s book, America Writes Its History, will be available for purchase, and the author will sign copies following the presentation.  Admission to the presentation  is FREE to members, $8.00 for adult non-members, and $3.00 for non-member children. 

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is a 30,000 square foot teaching institution that attracts a diverse audience.  Its collections of historical Americana include over 35,000 three-dimensional objects, 3 million documents and more than 80,000 vintage photographs.   The Museum is located at 432 W. Walnut Street in Allentown.   Parking is available in the rear of the Museum, on the street, and in nearby lots.  For more information, contact Joseph Garrera, Executive Director, at 610-435-1074.  Visit www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org or visit us on Facebook.  Members of the Press can also reach Mr. Garrera any time of day or night at 484-553-2592 (cell).